Jennings, Coughlin can’t halt North woe

Durham star Keaton Jennings endured a disappointing defeat when skippering the North in the first of their three-match one-day preseason series against the South in Dubai.

Dawid Malan and Daniel Bell-Drummond posted an unbroken stand of 205 as South crushed North by 10 wickets, as the traditional fixture made its return to the calendar for the first time since 1961.

Jennings was out for 15, while Durham club-mate Paul Coughlin fell for 19 as North were dismissed for 202 in 43.3 overs, with England head coach Trevor Bayliss casting his eye over proceedings.

Opener Sam Hain managed 33 before a bright stand of 63 between Joe Clarke (57) and Tim Bresnan (40) added some substance to the middle order.

But it was not enough as South continued picking up regular wickets. Recent England call-up Sam Curran claimed 3-19 and left-arm spinner Liam Dawson great control en route to 2-29.

Highly-rated leg-spinner Mason Crane struck twice but also suffered more than most in conceding 72 runs.

Bayliss cannot have failed to be impressed by Malan’s 109 not out and Bell-Drummond’s 92no, knocks that made light of North’s total, crossing the line with 99 deliveries unbowled.

Between them, the duo hit 27 fours and three sixes, having successfully seen off an early examination from Mark Wood and Bresnan, the latter seeing Malan dropped in his first spell.

Durham paceman Wood, on his first competitive outing since an ankle operation last autumn, finished with 0-45 in seven overs.

The next game takes place in Dubai tomorrow, with North – coached by Ottis Gibson – needing a win to stay in the series.